- SIPTU members employed as Firefighters at Sligo Airport have ended their industrial action following a breakthrough agreement with management to formally recognise the Union for collective bargaining purposes.
SIPTU Organiser, Andrew Clune, said: “Our members ended the industrial action with immediate effect on 16th April after SIPTU received correspondence from the Airport confirming that the Board had decided to accept SIPTU members’ right to collective bargaining through their Union.
“Our members welcome this development and we look forward to working collectively and constructively with Sligo Airport management in improving our members’ living standards, enhancing job quality and ensuring long-term job security at the Airport.”
The industrial action, which commenced at 8.00am on Thursday, 16th April, involved a ban on overtime, maintenance work and other measures. The dispute arose following management’s initial refusal to engage in collective bargaining with the staff’s trade union representatives.
SIPTU Aviation Sector Organiser, Niall Phillips, said: “This resolution marks a significant shift in industrial relations at the Airport, moving from a period of dispute toward a structured, collaborative framework. Recognition disputes such as this are avoidable if the Government provides workers in this State with the same rights as their colleagues across Europe to collective bargaining.
“Studies continue to show the vital role that collective bargaining plays in enhancing job security, in tackling inequality, enhancing enterprise competitiveness and positively impacting productivity and innovation. SIPTU members are committed to ensuring that the new agreement translates into tangible improvements and a stable operational environment for Sligo Airport.”